Original Attributed 1941 USAAF A2 Flying Jacket by 'Rough Wear' - 40

A stunning original United States Air Force A2 flying jacket which belonged to a major who served with the 3rd Bombardment Group in Australia during the Second World War. 

This jacket was made as part of contract W535 AC18091 which was awarded to Rough Wear in March 1941. It is made from a brown coloured goatskin which has survived extremely well. It belonged to Major W. C. Canby who served with the 3rd Bomb Group in Australia - They arrived in February 1942 which ties in with the manufacture date nicely, as do the sweat stains under each arm! The jacket features Canby's original 3rd Bomb Group patch to the left breast above which is a leather name tag. Leather major rank badges are fitted to each epaulette which is yet another nice period feature.

The jacket retains its original 'Talon' branded zipper with Art Deco design to the box. The rear of the zip also bears the brand name along with the words 'Made in USA'. There is some damage to the bottom of the zip but it can still be fastened with care. Underneath the collar the original metal hook and eye are still present as are the press studs which allow the collar to be fastened to the body of the jacket. Two patch pockets are located to the front which also fasten with the same style of press studs. Inside the left pocket the original white tag is still present and size of '40' is present. Brown painted metal grommets are fitted under each arm to allow for ventilation, one of which has broken as illustrated in picture 21.

The interior of the jacket is lined with a golden brown coloured cotton as is usually encountered. The original label is still present to the neck and is in good condition with all the details still being present. It reads - 

TYPE A-2
Drawing No. 30-1415
CONTract NO. W535 AC18091
ROUGH WEAR CLOTHING CO
MIDDLETOWN, PA.

Below this is the size tag which reads '40'. There is also an Army Navy 'AN' stamp to the interior and the partial serial number of 5879.

The jacket is in excellent condition on the whole and displays extremely well. There are a few small flaws which have been highlighted earlier in the description but aside from those the jacket really is very good. The cuffs are high quality replacements and there is an area of wear to the left shoulder which is again illustrated in the pictures. 

Overall this is a stunning example of an early contract goatskin Rough Wear which retains its original patches and has history which offers the prospect of further research.